Big Sky Timber Sports chops their way to the top

Timber sports is a competition based on traditional logging practices, where athletes show their strength, precision and speed in various wood-cutting events. These events typically involve using handsaws, axes, chainsaws and other traditional logging implements to cut wood as quickly and cleanly as possible.

According to STIHL — the organization that runs the main international competition, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES — timber sports began as competitive lumberjack-themed sporting competitions developed by woodsmen in Australia and New Zealand, but spread to North America around 100 years ago.

These days, Big Sky Timber Sports is an MSU club team that has steadily become a vibrant group of students passionate about all things chopping and sawing.“The best part of the club is that you don’t need any prior experience to join,” Big Sky Timber Sports member Evan Hansen explained. “We have members who’ve never touched an axe or chainsaw before and others who grew up doing this stuff. It’s all about learning and improving at your own pace.”The club of around 25 students currently competes in the American Western Forestry Clubs (AWFC), going up against schools like the University of Oregon and Colorado State University, according to Hansen. Big Sky Timber Sports faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic when membership dropped to just five dedicated members, according to Hansen. Like a tiny pine rising from the ashes of a burnt forest, the club has since experienced a resurgence, doubling in size — and arguably, enthusiasm. According to Hansen, the club has tried to maintain a low barrier to entry. “We’ve worked hard to make the club open and affordable to everyone, and that’s helped us bounce back after the pandemic,” he said.     One of the club’s main goals is to remain accessible to students from all backgrounds and it shows in the membership dues, which are only $75 per year, according to Hansen. Big Sky Timber Sports also tries to keep costs for members low. Fundraising events, sponsorships and community service projects help cover expenses like travel and equipment, ensuring that financial commitments don’t prevent students from joining. Local sponsors also contribute to keeping the club affordable for all participants, Hansen said.Club practices are held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, with additional practices often occurring during the week. According to Hansen, members are encouraged to specialize in specific events like chopping, single-buck sawing or axe throwing. The practices allow students to sharpen their skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Whether prospective members are new to timber sports or have years of experience, Hansen said everyone is welcome. The club also regularly competes in major events throughout the year, including the Idaho Classic and the AWFC Conclave in Flagstaff — the largest timber sports competition of the year. These events bring together teams from across the West to compete in everything from log rolling to tree climbing.                                              One of the club’s notable alumni is Gavin Lommatsch, who went on to compete professionally in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS SERIES. His success has inspired current club members to push themselves in competitions and personal skill development.                                                      “It’s cool to see someone who started here at MSU make it big in timber sports,” Hansen said.

For anyone interested in joining, the club is open to all students. More information can be found on their Instagram at @bigskytimbersports.